Robotic arm

ABSTRACT

An analytical laboratory system and method for processing samples is disclosed. A sample container is transported from an input area to a distribution area by a gripper comprising a means for inspecting a tube. An image is captured of the sample container. The image is analyzed to determine a sample container identification. A liquid level of the sample in the sample container is determined. A scheduling system determines a priority for processing the sample container based on the sample container identification. The sample container is transported from the distribution area to a subsequent processing module by the gripper.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/556,667, filed Nov. 7, 2011 and entitled “Analytical System andMethod for Processing Samples.” This application also claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/616,994, filed Mar. 28, 2012and entitled “Analytical System and Method for Processing Samples.” Thisapplication also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/680,066, filed Aug. 6, 2012 and entitled “Analytical System andMethod for Processing Samples.” All of these applications are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Conventional medical laboratory systems contain many segments forprocessing patient samples, some of which are automated and some ofwhich require manual operation. Laboratory systems today have becomemore efficient due to those segments which have become automated.However, there are still several components of medical laboratorysystems that can be automated in order to reduce the time it takes foran analysis of a sample, reduce the need for manual operation of thesystem, and reduce the space required by machinery.

Generally, the laboratory process can be organized into four phases:association, pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical. These fourphases typically occur within any laboratory process. However, someconventional labs may have a process that uses standalone unitsthroughout the lab while others may connect some of the units with aconveyance system to move the sample from unit to unit. These two styleshave some common and some different processing needs. Additionally, someconventional labs may consistently process the same types of sampletubes (e.g., as in those from a kit) while others may have a wide rangeof tube types that they must accommodate. Furthermore, many labs mayhave a preference for a particular manufacturer of an analyzer whileothers may use all of the analyzers from one manufacturer.

Thus, there is a need for a more efficient system and method forprocessing patient samples that can accommodate both a process usingstandalone units and units connected with a conveyance system, a varietyof sample container types, and analyzers from any manufacturer.

Sample volume and sample level detection devices are known. Conventionalsample volume or sample level detection devices are able to detect thetotal level of a liquid in a sample container either by (i) an imageanalysis approach of 2-dimensional images acquired by a camera system,or (ii) an absorption/transmission measurement of different wavelengthsin a focused light beam. However, these devices are typicallystand-alone devices that are manually operated by the laboratory system.

Robotic arms are also known. Conventional robotic arm technology fortransporting objects from one position to another may utilize anXYZ-robot employing a gripper unit to grip and transport samplecontainers or centrifuge buckets. However, the current robotic armtechnology is generally limited to gripping either the sample containersor centrifuge bucket, but not both. Additionally, the current technologycannot perform any additional functions besides the gripping function.

Embodiments of the invention address these and other problems,individually and collectively.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the technology relate to systems and methods forefficiently processing patient samples.

One embodiment is directed to a movable assembly for preparing aspecimen for laboratory analysis. A robotic arm of the assembly has agripper unit capable of gripping a sample container. The robotic arm iscapable of three-dimensional movement. A first image acquisition deviceof the movable assembly is configured to acquire an image of the samplecontainer. The image is analyzed, by a processor, to determine at leastone of identifying information associated with the sample container anda liquid level of the sample in the sample container.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method comprisingtransporting a sample container with a robotic arm having a gripper unitfrom a first location to a second location, wherein an image acquisitiondevice is physically coupled to the robotic arm. The method alsocomprises acquiring an image of the sample container using the imageacquisition device during transporting and analyzing the image of thesample container.

Another embodiment is directed to a method of transporting a samplecontainer for analysis by a laboratory automation system. A samplecontainer containing a sample is transported from an input area to adistribution area by a gripper comprising a means for inspecting a tube.Data is obtained during the transporting of the sample container. Animage is captured of the sample container. The sample container may beidentified based on at least one physical characteristic of the samplecontainer via analysis of the image of the sample container. A liquidlevel of the sample in the sample container is determined. A weight ofthe sample container is calculated based on the sample containeridentification and the liquid level. A scheduling system determines atime when the sample container containing the sample will be processed.The tube is transported from the distribution area to a subsequentprocessing module by the gripper.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a system comprisingan assembly comprising (a) a robotic arm having a gripper unitconfigured to gripping a sample container, wherein the robotic arm isconfigured to move in three dimensions, (b) an image acquisition devicephysically coupled to the robotic arm and configured to acquire an imageof the sample container, and (c) an image analysis device incommunication with the image acquisition device. The image analysisdevice is configured to analyze the image of the sample container todetermine at least one of identifying information associated with thesample container and a liquid level of the sample in the samplecontainer. The system further comprises a distribution area, wherein thesample container is configured to reside in the distribution area. Thesystem further comprises a subassembly, coupled to the distributionarea.

These and other embodiments of the technology are described in furtherdetail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the differentembodiments may be realized by reference to the following drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of components associated with phases of alaboratory automation system.

FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of components associated with apre-analytical phase of a laboratory automation system.

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of components within an aliquottermodule.

FIGS. 4(a)-(e) depict block diagrams of configurations of componentsassociated with output/sorter modules.

FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of a configuration of a sorter modulecoupled to a capping device.

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of components within a post-analyticalphase of the laboratory automation system.

FIG. 7(a) depicts a block diagram of components associated with amanager unit.

FIG. 7(b) depicts a block diagram of components associated with anothermanager unit embodiment.

FIGS. 8(a)-(b) depict block diagrams of components associated withcentrifuge units.

FIG. 9 depicts a block diagram of components within a pre-analyticalphase of the laboratory automation system.

FIG. 10 depicts a block diagram of components associated with a managerunit.

FIG. 11 depicts a block diagram of components associated with a doublecentrifugation unit.

FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of components associated with a doublealiquotter unit.

FIG. 13 depicts a block diagram of components associated with anoutput/sorter unit.

FIGS. 14 (a)-(d) are parts of a flow chart showing an illustrativeexample of the pre-analytical phase system workflow.

FIG. 14(e) shows a flowchart illustrating a method for selected anappropriate sample.

FIG. 15 depicts an example of a Cartesian or gantry robot with threeindependently moveable directions x-, y-, and z-.

FIGS. 16(a)-(c) depict side-view diagrams of embodiments of gripperunits.

FIG. 17 depicts a side-view diagram of a sample level detection unit anda sample tube.

FIG. 18 depicts a block diagram of sample level detection utilizing theanalysis of absorption and transmission curves at distinct wavelengths.

FIG. 19 depicts a block diagram of a combination robot.

FIG. 20 shows a block diagram of some components of a system using arobotic arm with an image acquisition device.

FIG. 21 shows a block diagram of an image analysis device.

FIG. 22 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary computer apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present technology relate to a laboratory system andmethod for processing patient samples. These embodiments, as will bedescribed in more detail below, are advantageous because they provide,among other advantages, greater speed, accuracy, efficiency, andprevention of contamination. As discussed above, many conventionallaboratory systems may have a process that uses standalone unitsthroughout the lab, requiring that the samples be manually transportedbetween each standalone unit, while others may connect some of the unitswith a conveyance system to move the samples from unit to unit.Additionally, as discussed above, sample tube sizes and equipment fromdifferent manufacturers may be constraints in conventional laboratorysystems. Such conventional technology is slow and inaccurate.Embodiments of the present technology provide for a modular laboratorysystem which is capable of accommodating different laboratory units andtransport systems, sample tube sizes, and manufacturers by using moreuniversal components and by grouping functions required by mostlaboratory systems into five basic functional units: (1) manager, (2)centrifuge, (3), aliquotter, (4) output/sorter, and (5) storage units.These five basic functional units will be described in more detailbelow.

In embodiments of the invention, the laboratory system operates acontrolled process using a central controller or scheduler. By keepingthe samples under the control of an intelligent scheduler, the systemprovides efficient usage of every instrument. The system can maintain aconsistent minimal turnaround time and maximizes the throughput of theentire system by maintaining control of the process and only deliveringsamples to instruments when those instruments are ready and available.

In embodiments of the invention, a “sample container” may have anysuitable shape or form. In some embodiments, the sample container may bein the form of a sample tube, which may have an aspect ratio of greaterthan about 3:1. Such sample containers may be made or any suitablematerial including plastic, glass, etc. They may further include asample tube body with a closed end and an open end, as well as a capthat is structured to cover and attach to the open end of the sampletube body.

In embodiments of the invention, a “sample container holder” may be inany suitable shape or form, and may comprise any suitable material. Insome cases, the sample tube holder may be in the form of a sample tuberack. Sample container holders may include an array of recesses that canreceive sample containers (e.g., sample tubes). They may also compriseany suitable material including plastic.

Embodiments of the invention further utilize one or more robotic gripperunits mounted on robotic arms. Each robotic arm unit has a roboticgripper for gripping sample tubes and may be equipped with one or moremeans for detecting information about sample tubes. The means fordetecting information about a sample tube may include a first imageacquisition device, such as a camera, for identifying a sample tubeamong a plurality of sample tubes in a rack. The identified sample tubeis gripped by the gripper. The means for detecting information aboutsample tubes may further include a second image acquisition device toobtain an image of the gripped sample tube. The level of liquid in thesample tube may be determined from the image obtained by the secondimage acquisition device. The second image acquisition device maycomprise a receiver that receives transmissions from an emitter. Incomparison with prior art systems, which have a camera mounted on atrack and thus require all sample tubes to be on the track before thetubes can be identified, the laboratory system described herein canidentify a sample tube before it is placed on a conveyer track. As aresult, samples that do not need to be transported on the conveyer arenot placed on the conveyer merely for the purpose of sample tubeidentification. Further, urgent samples can have a prioritized placementon the conveyer track.

Use of a plurality of robotic gripper units in the laboratory systemalso increases sample processing efficiency. A first gripper, such as aninput module gripper, identifies a sample tube and makes datameasurements as described above. After the first gripper delivers thesample tube to a distribution area, a second gripper, such as adistribution area gripper, delivers a sample tube to a subsequent modulesuch as a centrifuge module or conveyor. The use of multiple grippersallows an increase in processing efficiency over prior art systems.

I. Overall System

A. Phases of Laboratory System

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a medical laboratory system forprocessing patient samples. The laboratory system includes componentsassociated with the association phase 102, the pre-analytical phase 104,the analytical phase 106, and the post-analytical phase 108.

1. Association Phase

The association phase 102 is the first phase in the laboratory process.During this phase, the patient information, the requested tests for thepatient sample and a unique laboratory identifier (e.g., a barcode) areassociated with one another. While the association phase 102 could beautomated, in some embodiments, the association phase is handledmanually. For example, in some embodiments, a laboratory technician(hereinafter referred to as a “user”) can assign a priority to thesamples. The samples are loaded into racks or directly onto the systemat specific entry points. Although grouping samples into a few basicpriority levels (e.g., urgent or high priority, medium priority, lowpriority, etc.) may be desirable to provide a more consistent turnaroundtime, it is not necessary. Processing patient samples can be based onany priority defined by the user. However, if a priority is notspecified, a priority can be assigned based on factors such asminimizing turnaround time, maximizing throughput, the availability ofprocesses, etc.

2. Pre-Analytical Phase

The pre-analytical phase 104 includes preparing patient samples foranalysis. During the pre-analytical phase 104, the patient and testinformation is deciphered, the process for analysis is planned, qualitychecks are performed, the sample may be separated into its constituentcomponents (e.g., centrifuged), the sample may be divided for parallelanalytical processes, and/or the sample can be delivered to one or moreanalyzers and/or racks. The pre-analytical phase 104 manages the flow ofsamples to different instruments and different analyzers within the labsystem. This process management permits the system to operateefficiently and with minimal instruments. Additionally, thepre-analytical phase 104 ensures that a backup of patient samples atdifferent points within the lab system does not occur along the process,or if a backup does occur, the pre-analytical phase 104 ensures that thebackup can be cleared quickly and without significant impact on theremainder of the system.

Embodiments of the system can identify the patient samples as quickly aspossible and determine the best scheduling of each sample to provide aconsistent minimal turnaround time and maximum throughput of theanalytical processes. The steps and organization of those steps in theprocess are designed to avoid backups of patient samples. Modules of thelab system can operate at a throughput speed that ensures processing ofsamples at the maximum throughput of the upstream processes. However, insome embodiments, at the aliquotter unit, the throughput may be managedby the introduction of samples upstream and by small queues at eachaliquotting station.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed depiction of the components associated withthe pre-analytical phase 104. The components associated with thepre-analytical phase 104 include seven modules: input module 202,distribution area 204, centrifuge 206, decapper 208, serum indicesmeasurement device 210, aliquotter 212, and output/sorter 214.

(a) Input Module

The input module 202 shown in FIG. 2 can accommodate a variety of tubes,racks, prioritizations, etc. and is capable of receiving a specimen.Racks of tubes and/or individual tubes can be loaded onto one of severallanes 216, which may be manually operated drawers and/or automateddevices. In FIG. 2, five lanes 216 are depicted. However, the lab systemcan have any number of lanes 216. The lanes 216 are assigned prioritiesin accordance with those assigned by the user. In some embodiments, thehighest priority lane (short turnaround time or “STAT”) may have a fixedposition for accepting a group of individual tubes from the user. Oncetubes are loaded in the STAT lane, they become the next tubes processed.Other lanes can be assigned different priority levels in any manner. Forexample, when the drawers are manually operated, assigning one priorityto at least two of the drawers and another priority to at least twoother drawers may allow the system to operate continuously on one drawerwhile the other drawer of the same priority is available to the user.

In some embodiments, while the input module 202 is processing a drawerof samples, the user may be informed that the drawer should not beopened by using an indication such as a light on the drawer or a lock onthe drawer. This may help maintain the process integrity and maximizethroughput. When processing is complete on the first drawer, the drawermay be identified to the user as available, and the system mayautomatically begin processing another drawer. Additionally, the samplescan be transferred to and from the drawers 216 of the input module 202using an input module gripper 228.

(b) Distribution Area Module

From the lanes 216 within the input module 202 of FIG. 2, one of atleast two or more distribution area grippers 218 (discussed in moredetail below) may select the highest priority tube and transport it to afixed matrix called the distribution area 204. The distribution area 204is capable of distributing a specimen to a desired component (e.g., asubsystem) of the laboratory automation system. During the transfer tothis module by the input module gripper 228, the levels of the sample'sconstituent components are measured and photographs of the sample tubeare taken. These photographs can be analyzed to determine the tube'smanufacturer, diameter, height, cap color, etc. From this information,the volumes of the sample's components can be calculated, and anestimate of the total tube weight can be made. This weight can be laterused to aid in balancing the centrifuge buckets in the centrifuge module206, as will be discussed in more detail below.

To protect the distribution area 204 from filling with low prioritytubes, a limit can be set on the number of tubes loaded into this areafrom the low priority input lanes. Moreover, the distribution area 204may have a reserved area to ensure STAT samples have continuous accessto the distribution area 204 from the STAT drawer in the input module202.

The distribution area 204 can be the holding area which permits thesystem to access test information associated with the sample tube in theassociation phase 102 and plan the analysis process for the sample. Thisenables the system to schedule a sample tube's process with respect tothe other sample tubes currently on the system. Scheduling enables theefficient processing of samples based upon priority without overloadingany step in the overall system, permitting the optimization ofturnaround time and throughput. Furthermore, the sample's schedule canbe updated throughout the process as the system's activity oravailability changes, providing real time active control of the sample.

Once the schedule is planned by the distribution area module 204, one ofthe at least two or more distribution area robotic grippers 218 thenselects the sample tube that is the next tube to be transferred to thenext module based on the priority of the tubes within the distributionarea 204. The selected sample tube is transported from the distributionarea 204 to the conveyance system 220, to the centrifuge module 206, orto an error area 222 based on the analysis performed by the distributionarea module 204.

If the sample tube is being moved to the centrifuge module 206, the tubecan be placed into the appropriate centrifuge adapter based upon theearlier weight estimation to ensure proper balance of the centrifugerotor. The centrifuge adapter is the component which carries the tubesfrom the distribution area 204 to the centrifuge bucket of thecentrifuge.

If the distribution area module 204 determines that the sample tube doesnot require centrifugation and no other tubes are being placed onto theconveyance line by the centrifugation module 206, the distribution arearobot gripper 218 places the sample into a carrier on the conveyancesystem 220 with the barcode label properly aligned to the carrier. Moredetail on the conveyance system 220 and the carriers will be discussedbelow. A carrier can refer to any suitable device, which can be presentin a conveyance system and can carry or transport one or more samplecontainers or tubes. Exemplary carriers may contain recesses which canhold the containers or tubes. If a problem exists with the sample (e.g.,the volume is too low, the barcode is unreadable, no test information isdownloaded, etc.), the sample tube is moved to the error area 222 andthe user is notified of the issue.

(c) Centrifuge Module

The sample tube may be moved from the distribution area 204 of FIG. 2 tothe centrifuge module 206 if the distribution area module 204 determinesthat the sample requires centrifugation before analysis of the sample.When a sample tube is to be transported from the distribution area 204to the centrifuge module 206, the sample tube is loaded by thedistribution area robot gripper 218 into a centrifuge adapter at thedistribution area 204. The adapters may locate and retain multiple tubesizes for centrifugation. The adapter sits in a shuttle 224 which movesbetween the distribution area 204 and the centrifuge module 206 once theadapter is filled with sample tubes. An adapter can be a device whichholds sample containers, and can be used in a centrifuge. Such adaptersare commonly constructed of a polymeric material but not limited to andconstructed as a single piece having a shape which allows retention ofone or more containers in which a sample may be placed. In some cases,an adapter is inserted into a device mounted on or in a centrifugerotor. Labware (e.g., sample containers or tubes) holding the sample isinserted in the adapter.

When the sample tubes in the adapters arrive at the centrifuge module206 from the distribution area 204 via the shuttle 224, the adapters areloaded into an available centrifuge bucket. The configuration of theadapters allows for simplification of delivery to and removal from thecentrifugation buckets. Once loaded into a centrifuge bucket, thesamples can be centrifuged. The centrifuge module 206 may include one ormore centrifuges that are refrigerated to maintain the temperature ofthe sample. In FIG. 2, two centrifuges 206-1 and 206-2 are depicted. Thecentrifuges use a swinging centrifuge bucket rotor which produces levelsedimentation layers from which analyzers and pipettors can consistentlyaspirate the maximum volume of fluid. Once centrifugation is complete,the adapters can be removed from the centrifugation bucket and placed inan unloading area. The sample tubes are then removed from the adaptersin the unloading area and placed in carriers on the conveyance system220 for transport to the next module.

The timing for loading tubes into an adapter at the distribution module204, sending the tubes in the adapter to the centrifuge module 206 viathe shuttle 224, loading the adapter into a centrifuge bucket,centrifuging the samples, unloading the adapter from the centrifugebucket, and unloading the tubes from the adapter is such that theprocess is continuous, allowing for the continual centrifugation ofsamples as they arrive at the centrifuge module 206 from thedistribution area 204. As the centrifuge completes a spin cycle, thelast tube in the distribution area 204 is loaded by the distributionarea gripper 218 into an adapter, and the shuttle 224 moves the adapterto a centrifuge in the centrifuge module 206. At the same time, anautomated door on the centrifuge opens and provides access to a bucketas the rotor indexes into position at the doorway. A centrifuge modulegripper 226 in the centrifuge module 206 removes the adapter that isalready in the bucket and moves that adapter to an area where the tubeswill be unloaded to carriers on the conveyance system 220. Next, thecentrifuge module gripper 226 selects an adapter that has been recentlyloaded with tubes from the distribution area 204 and deposits it intothe empty bucket. While the rotor indexes to the next bucket, apreviously emptied adapter is moved to the open position on the shuttle224 for loading with tubes from the distribution area 204 when theshuttle 224 returns to the distribution area 204.

After the final adapter is loaded into the centrifuge, the door closesand the spin cycle begins. The adapter shuttle 224 moves back to thedistribution area 204, and a centrifuge module gripper 226 begins tounload tubes from the adapters removed from the buckets into carriers onthe conveyance system 220. As the tubes are moved from the adapter tothe carrier, the heights of the sedimentation layers are measured andthe barcode on each tube is aligned with the carrier. If insufficientserum or plasma is present, the tube will be sent to an error arealocated in the output module 214.

If the scheduling algorithm predicts the overloading of an analyzer withsamples from the centrifuge module 206, the centrifuge module gripper226 can unload the samples and distribute the samples from the adaptersto the conveyance system 220 only as quickly as the downstream processcan handle them. As a result, the full cycle time of the centrifuges canbe greater than or equal to, e.g., 360 seconds. If while operating twocentrifuges, one of the unloading phases is delayed as a result of abusy analyzer, the trailing centrifuge can be kept, e.g., 180 secondsout of phase to ensure they do not drift into phase over time.

The centrifuge module 206 may include an automated centrifuge controlledby a centrifuge controller. The automated centrifuge can be loaded withmultiple centrifuge buckets or receptacles, each bucket receivingmultiple sample tubes. The centrifuge includes a motor coupled to aspindle that receives the buckets, a controller, and optionally, a lid,and a lid drive. The centrifuge controller indexes or stops the spindleat selected positions for automated placement and removal of the bucketsin response to signals from the central controller. The lid has a closedposition and an open position, and the lid drive opens and closes inresponse to instructions from the centrifuge controller.

In some instances, before the loaded buckets are placed in thecentrifuge, the buckets are typically balanced in a balance system. Thebalance system, which can be an included part of the centrifuge module206, comprises a scale having sites for receiving and holding aplurality of buckets, and a balance controller for selectivelydepositing sample tubes in cavities of the buckets while correlatingincremental weight changes with the locations of each deposit forequalizing weight in pairs of the buckets. The balance controller can beimplemented as a balance program within the central controller, thebalance program maintaining a database of sample tube locations andassociated weights, and directing the robotic arm for depositing thesample tubes. The balance system may also include a supply of dummyloads in buckets for limiting weight variations between buckets. Thedummy loads may be weighted for limiting the weight variations to notgreater than, e.g., 10 grams between members of each pair of buckets.

In other embodiments of the invention, a balance system need not bepresent or used in embodiments of the invention. As explained below, inembodiments of the invention, the weight of a sample tube can beautomatically determined by an assembly that can determine a liquidlevel of a sample in the sample tube. Thus, embodiments of the inventionare more efficient than systems requiring a balance system, because asample tube weighting step need not be performed. Embodiments of theinvention can also be less complex since a balance system is not neededin some embodiments of the invention.

The centrifuge controller may operate to perform a number of functions,such as receiving and storing a centrifuge spin profile including arotor spindle speed and duration, indexing the rotor for advancing aselected one of the sample stations into an access position, spinningthe rotor in accordance with the cycle profile, stopping the rotor witha predetermined sample station at the access position, etc.

(d) Decapper Module

The decapper module 208 of FIG. 2 is capable of decapping the cap fromthe sample tubes in carriers on the conveyance system 220 before theyare analyzed. The decapper system may clamp a sample tube and remove thecap from a sample tube. The decapper module 208 follows the distributionmodule 204 and the centrifuge module 206. For sample tubes which do notrequire cap removal (e.g., for instances in which the samples may onlyrequire sorting), the carrier on the conveyance system 220 will bypassthe decapper module 208. For sample tubes that require cap removal, thedecapper module 208 may remove the cap from the sample tube and depositthe cap in a biohazardous waste disposal container below the deck of thedecapper module 208. The biohazardous waste disposal container isremovable and replaceable to protect the user from biohazardous waste.

(e) Serum Indices Module

The serum indices module 210 of FIG. 2 is capable of measuring the serumindex of a sample. Typically, this function is performed during theanalytical phase 106. However, in some instances, certain laboratoriesmay prefer to address any quality issues prior to delivering the samplesto the analyzer. Thus, the serum indices module 210 provides thisquality control option for samples that should be tested. For samplesthat do not require a serum index measurement, the sample may bypass theserum indices module 210.

The serum indices module 210 can be the next module after the decappermodule 208 since a serum indices measurement typically requires accessto the sample. Similar to the decapper module 208, the serum indicesmodule 210 may have a biohazardous waste disposal container below thedeck of this module. The container may be removable and replaceable toprotect the user from biohazardous waste.

(f) Aliquotter Module

The aliquotter module 212 of FIG. 2 is depicted in greater detail inFIG. 3. The aliquotter module 212 divides the primary sample 304 intomultiple secondary tubes 306 depending on how many tubes are needed foranalysis. This module may contain one or more pipettors 302 for dividingthe primary sample 304 into secondary samples 306. The aliquotter module212 further facilitates labeling of the secondary samples 306 with abarcode label specifying the patient and test information. The barcodelabels are attached to the secondary tubes 306 below the deck of thealiquotter module 212 in a device called the Secondary Tube PreparationUnit (STPU). The STPU can produce labeled tubes faster than a singlepipettor can transfer a sample. However, when two or more pipettors areincorporated, the STPU limits the combined throughput of the two or morepipettors. New secondary tubes can be delivered to the aliquotter module212 in racks and loaded into drawers below the aliquotter module 212.The labels are delivered on a roll and printed below the deck of thealiquotter module 212 prior to attachment to the tubes.

To minimize contamination of patient samples, the pipettors 302 usedisposable tips 308. These tips arrive in racks which are loaded intodrawers on the deck. The pipettor 302 loads a disposable tip from theseracks, aspirates 310 the sample from the primary tube 304 and dispenses314 the sample into one or more secondary tubes 306 and/or a microtiterplate 312. In one embodiment, the tip may be limited to a particularamount (e.g., 1 milliliter) of the sample. In such a case, dispensingvolumes exceeding that particular amount may require multipleaspirations. Once the pipetting is finished for a sample, the tip can bedisposed in the waste container 320.

In order to manage the tubes during aspiration 310 and dispensing 314,the primary 304 and secondary 306 tubes are removed from the travel laneof conveyance system 220 and queued on supplementary lanes. Because thealiquotting module 212 may operate at a slower rate than the othermodules, the queues minimize the effect of aliquotting on the remainderof the system. Although the queuing process may vary depending upon theconveyance system 220, the carriers with the primary tubes 304 aretransferred to a queue wheel. Empty carriers for the secondary tubes 306are transferred to a separate queue wheel adjacent to the primary tubes304. The labeled secondary tube 306 is loaded 316 into the empty carrierfrom below the deck by a lift 318 which rotates around to align with theempty carrier. The STPU transfers the tube to the lift 318 in thecorrect orientation to ensure the barcode is aligned properly with thecarrier. In the case of an aliquotter module 212 having more than onepipettor, the lift 318 rotates the opposite direction to place the tubein the carrier.

(g) Output/Sorter Module

FIGS. 4(a)-(e) depict examples of an output/sorter module 214. Theoutput/sorter module 214 transfers tubes to and/or from racks located indrawers 402 or bays. The racks may be either analyzer racks, standardstorage racks, or any rack that meets the Clinical and LaboratoryStandards Institute (CLSI) standards. An output/sorter gripper 404removes the tubes from the carrier and deposits them into the racks. Ifnecessary, the barcode is aligned to the rack as desired. Theoutput/sorter module 214 may have any number of drawers 402 and may haveany number of output/sorter grippers 404. The number of output/sortergrippers 404 may depend on how many drawers 402 the output/sorter module214 contains. That is, more output/sorter grippers 404 may be needed foroutput/sorter modules 214 having a large number of drawers 402. FIG.4(a) depicts an example of single gripper output unit 406 that isconnected to the conveyance system 220 and a standalone single grippersorter with input and output 408. FIG. 4(b) depicts an example of a dualgripper sorter with input and output. Depending upon the application,the unit may be connected to the conveyance system 220 or it may operateas a standalone system.

The output/sorter module 214 can function as a component for handlingthe output of the pre-analytical phase 104 and can also function as asorter for sorting tubes based on the type of analysis that the samplesare to undergo. FIG. 4(c) depicts another embodiment of theoutput/sorter module 214. The output/sorter module 214 may includedrawers for handling the output 414 of the pre-analytical phase 104,drawers for handling tubes that are inputted 410 to the output/sortermodule 214 for sorting, and drawers for handling tubes that should bereentered 412 into the analytical phase for further analysis.

The output/sorter module 214 includes areas to load and/or unload racksof tubes. Additionally, some of the drawers on the output/sorter module214 may be specified as input and some as output. In the sorter mode,the units with a single robotic gripper 404 select a tube from an inputdrawer, read the barcode, measure the height of the constituent samplecomponents, make a photograph of the tube and analyze the data to recordits manufacturer, diameter, height, and cap color. Based upon theinformation received from the laboratory information system (LIS), thegripper 404 deposits the tube in the correct rack while aligning thebarcode as appropriate. If an error condition is identified, the tube isplaced into an error rack.

An output/sorter module 214 having a larger number of drawers 402 andmore than one output/sorter robotic gripper 404 may attain a higherthroughput. A first output/sorter gripper 404 may perform the samefunctions as described above. However, since the destination istypically a single point on the conveyance system 220, it may not haveto wait on information from an LIS (laboratory information system). Asthe tube is conveyed to the extraction point for a second output/sortergripper, the LIS has time to respond with the appropriate information.The second output/sorter gripper may remove the tube from the carrierand deposit and align the tube in the appropriate rack. Because theseunits can function as either an input 410 or an output 414, they can beassembled together with the conveyance system 220 to create even largerinput and/or output areas. FIG. 4(d) depicts an example of thisembodiment of an output/sorter module 214. Units are combined with theconveyance system 220 to permit the creation of a sorter having an input410 with five drawers and an output 414 with ten drawers.

3. Analytical Phase

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the analytical phase 106 includesperforming the actual measurements needed to process a sample andproduce results. This phase is typically composed predominantly of oneor more analysis instruments or analyzers. The analysis instruments oranalyzers can be any analysis instruments or analyzers known in the art.Typically an analyzer may comprise a mechanism for selectivelyperforming one or more types of analyses on a specimen and an analyzercontroller in communication with the central controller, so that thecentral controller can instruct the analyzer controller as to whatanalysis to perform for the specimen. Each analyzer may also include anoutput system for providing analysis results to the memory of thecentral controller.

For a laboratory system that has the components associated with thepre-analytical 104, analytical 106, and post-analytical 108 phasesconnected together via a conveyance system 220, the samples may movepast the output/sorter module 214 and onto analyzers. When the carrierreaches the destination analyzer for that particular sample, the carrierpulls off the main travel lane and forms a queue upstream of theanalyzer's access point to the conveyance system 220. The queue lengthis minimal because of the planning done by the scheduler while the tubewas still in the distribution area 204 and because of the controlledrelease of tubes by the distribution 204 and centrifuge 206 modules.

If some of the analyzers are connected via the conveyance system 220 andsome are not, the samples destined for the unconnected analyzers willexit the system at the output/sorter module 214. However, these samplesmay need to reenter the connected system for additional processing. Thereentry function of the output/sorter module 214 performs this functionby inputting 410 the tubes that should reenter the system for analysis.Thus, since the output/sorter module 214 can function as an input 410,another module is not necessary, increasing the efficiency of thesystem. The location of this function may vary by the user's laboratorylayout. In one embodiment, the location of this function may be adjacentto and downstream of the output/sorter 214 in the pre-analytical phase104. In one embodiment, two separate frames are used to perform thesefunctions, such as the example depicted in FIG. 4(d). In anotherembodiment, the functions can be combined into a single frame of anoutput/sorter module 214, as shown in FIG. 4(e). However, anycombination of the configurations shown in FIGS. 4(a)-4(e) can be used.

The throughput of the output 414 and input 410 or reentry 412 may betailored to match the needs of the user. For example, a user with fewsamples destined for an unconnected analyzer may only need anoutput/sorter module 214 that has one single output/sorter gripper 404.On the other hand, a user with no connected analyzers and highthroughput may prefer a large output area and a separate sorter.

4. Post-Analytical Phase

The final phase of the laboratory process is the post-analytical phase108. In this phase, the sample is prepared for storage and is stored.Once the sample has completed the testing and analysis required, thesample is capped and placed into storage. This may be either ambient orrefrigerated storage depending upon the sample and the laboratoryprocess. Moreover, users with systems having connected analyzers maydesire a connected cold storage for some samples and offline ambientstorage for others. However, users with unconnected analyzers willlikely store all of their samples offline.

The user with unconnected analyzers may use a sorter in combination witha capping device to prepare their samples for storage. FIG. 5 depicts anexample of a sorter module 500 coupled to a capping device 502. Thesorter module 500 may be similar to the output/sorter modules 214depicted in FIGS. 4(a)-(e). When a tube completes a test, the user loadsthe sample on the input or reentry side 508 of the sorter and retrievesthe sample on the output side 510. The samples are transferred via theconveyance system 220 using robotic grippers 504 at the reentry side508, the recapper 502, and the output side 510. The output side 510 ofthe unit has areas for storage racks 512 and/or racks for tubesrequiring additional testing. The samples requiring additional testingare delivered to the subsequent analyzers and subsequently returned tothe sorter unit 500. Because this process is operationally intensive onthe sorter unit 500 with multiple passes, this part of the process canbe properly sized for the lab throughput to prevent unnecessary backups.Once the samples are capped and placed into a storage rack 512, theracks are removed and stored elsewhere in the lab.

A user with connected analyzers may prefer to have a connectedrefrigerated storage unit, as shown in FIG. 6. In the example shown inFIG. 6, the sorter 600 performs similar functions to those performed bythe sorter unit 500 in FIG. 5. That is, the sorter 600 may take a samplefrom the conveyance system 220 using a robotic gripper 604 and recapsamples using the recapper 602 and caps from the cap drawer 656. Therecapped samples may be either outputted 610 or sent to storage 612using the robotic gripper 604. In some cases, the sample may be outputso that it can be sent to an ambient storage unit or it may be stored ina refrigerated storage unit. Samples can be retrieved automatically fromthe refrigerated storage unit for any additional testing that may beneeded.

A special environmentally controlled storage unit (ECSU) 614 may beendesigned to store up to any number of tubes (e.g., 15,000 tubes). Theunit may contain racks which can hold multiple size tubes with caps thatmay minimize the space required between tubes. As shown in the exampleof FIG. 6, four of the storage racks 612 may be arranged on the surfaceof a rack builder module to permit continuous loading or unloading andaccess to stored samples for reruns. During low system input, the ECSU614 may have the ability to retrieve expired samples and dispose of themin a waste container below the deck of the rack builder module.

As samples enter the sorter unit 600, the recapper 602 applies a cap asnecessary. The recapper 602 may have access to different types of caps.For example, from a vibratory bowl feeder, the recapper 602 can access apush style cap, and from a drawer, the recapper 602 can access screwstyle caps which are arranged in racks loaded on a drawer. After thecapping process, a robotic gripper 604 removes the tube from its carrierand deposits and aligns the tube into a storage rack 612. The storagerack may be located on an output drawer 610 or on a position destinedfor the ECSU 614. When the rack is ready for storage, the ECSU 614retrieves the rack from the deck and loads it into a matrix inside theECSU 614. The ECSU 614 may be any size and can accommodate any number oftubes.

When requested, the ECSU 614 may have the ability to retrieve tubes foradditional testing. It may also be capable of disposing of samples whenthey reach their expiration date. In one embodiment, this may be doneconcurrently with archiving but at a lower priority. A biohazardouswaste container may be kept below the deck. Tubes entering the wastecontainer may be capped to minimize the contamination through splashingof biohazardous waste.

In some embodiments, the ECSU 614 may not be large enough to archive allof a laboratory's samples prior to their expiration. Thus, periodicemptying of samples may be performed. This is accomplished via largedoors on the backside of the ECSU 614. When the doors are open, theracks can be retrieved from the storage matrix. The racks chosen forremoval are identified for the user to reduce the possibility ofremoving the incorrect rack. The racks may be removed individually fromthe unit and transported on a laboratory cart to an offline storage unitsuch as a walk-in refrigeration unit.

If a sample is requested from the offline storage unit, the rack can bereloaded onto the ECSU 614 and retrieved by the ECSU 614, or the usercan remove the tube and load it onto the input or reentry 508. Ifsamples expire while in the offline storage, the racks can be reloadedonto the ECSU 614 and disposed by the ECSU 614, or the user can disposeof the samples manually.

B. Functional Units of Laboratory System

As discussed above, the components of the laboratory system generallydescribed above can be grouped into basic functional units, as manyphases and modules may perform functions similar to functions performedin other phases or modules. In one embodiment, components can be groupedin five basic functional units: (1) manager, (2) centrifuge, (3)aliquotter, (4) output/sorter, and (5) storage units. For simplicity,the functional groupings will be discussed with respect to these fivefunctional units. However, any functions can be grouped in any manner.Grouping the functions into general functional units allows for thedesign of the laboratory system to be somewhat general, flexible, andeasily configurable for any user and the user's laboratory needs, sothat the design of a highly customizable system for each lab is notnecessary. Within each of the functional units, the specificfunctionality may vary depending on the laboratory's needs. Thesefunctional units may enable the design of standard products that, whencombined in various ways, may satisfy any laboratory's needs with aminimal number of standard products.

FIG. 7(a) depicts an example of a manager unit 700. The manager unit 700depicted in FIG. 7(a) includes the input module 202, the distributionarea 204, the decapper 208 with a decapping robot 710, and the devicefor measuring the serum indices 210 from the pre-analytical phase 104(see the description with respect to FIG. 2). Depending on the needs ofthe laboratory, any of the modules may be omitted and/or configuredwithin the manager unit 700. For example, based on the laboratory'sneeds, the area for holding samples 204 while a process routing plan isprepared and/or the device for measuring the serum indices 210 of thesample may be omitted. FIG. 7(a) also shows a STAT drawer as well as anerror drawer 222.

FIG. 7(b) shows another manager unit embodiment. In FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b),like numerals designate like elements. FIG. 7(b) specifically shows anerror area 222 in an output drawer 222 a. FIG. 7(b) also shows aconveyance system 220, a shuttle 224, a centrifuge adapter 1002, and acentrifuge loading position 1004. These elements are discussed infurther detail below.

FIG. 8(a) and FIG. 8(b) depict examples of centrifuge units. Thecentrifuge units include centrifuges that are capable of centrifuging aspecimen. The centrifuge unit 802 in FIG. 8(a) depicts a singlecentrifuge unit, while the centrifuge unit 804 in FIG. 8(b) depicts adouble centrifuge unit. However, the centrifuge unit may have any numberof centrifuges depending on the needs of the laboratory. The centrifugeunits may be used as part of the centrifuging module 206 in thepre-analytical phase 104 described in FIG. 2.

One example of the aliquotter unit can be found in FIG. 3. An aliquotterunit may be capable of pipetting a specimen. FIG. 3 depicts an exampleof a double aliquotter unit having two pipetting functions. However, anynumber of pipettes can be included in the aliquotter unit depending onthe needs of the laboratory.

Examples of output/sorter units are depicted in FIGS. 4(a)-(e) and FIG.5. Any output/sorter configuration can be used based on the needs of thelaboratory. Typically, the output/sorter unit is capable of receiving aspecimen from the manager unit, centrifuge unit, aliquotter unit, and/oran analyzer. The output/sorter unit may include areas to load and/orunload racks of tubes and may include any number of robotic grippers forperforming any functions necessary for the laboratory.

One example of a storage unit is depicted in FIG. 6. Depending on theneeds of the laboratory, the storage unit may be capable of storing aspecimen and may include a device to install caps on tubes, areas fortubes to be loaded into racks using robotic grippers, and attachedstorage units.

C. Exemplary Pre-Analytical Phase System

1. Pre-Analytical Phase System Layout

FIG. 9 depicts a detailed example of the manager unit 700, centrifugeunit 804, the aliquotter unit 212, centrifuge loading position 1004, andthe output/sorter unit 214 of the pre-analytical phase 104. Each ofthese units will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 10 depicts a closer view of the manager unit 700. The manager unit700 of FIG. 10 includes the input module 202, the distribution areamodule 204, the decapping module 208 with a decapping robot 710, whichwere described in more detail in the description of FIG. 7(a), and theserum indices module 210 with serum indices measurement unit 211. Theinput module 202 includes input drawers 216, including a STAT drawer1056 loaded with sample racks, and an input robot 228 that can grip asample tube, read a barcode, identify the tube by the characteristics,and can detect the sample level within a tube. The distribution areamodule 204 includes a distribution robot gripper 218 for gripping sampletubes, an error drawer 222, and centrifuge adapters 1002. The centrifugeloading position 1004 is the location for loading the centrifugeadapters 1002 with sample tubes that are to be sent to the centrifugemodule 206 via a shuttle 224. The decapper module 208 includes thedecapping robot 710 and the waste container 1058.

FIG. 11 depicts a closer view of a double centrifuge unit 804, which wasdescribed in more detail in the description of FIG. 2. The centrifugeunit 804 includes two single centrifuges 206-1 and 206-2, an adaptershuttle 224 holding centrifuge adapters 1002, and centrifuge modulerobotic grippers 226.

FIG. 12 depicts a closer view of a double aliquotter unit 212, which wasdescribed in more detail in the descriptions of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Thealiquotter unit 212 includes a primary tube queue 1104, a secondary tubequeue 1106, a secondary tube lift 318 with tube storage and a labelerbelow the secondary tube lift 318, a waste container 320, a pipetterobot 302, tip drawers 308, and microplate drawers 312.

FIG. 13 depicts a closer view of an output/sorter unit 214 that iscapable of recapping sample tubes and outputting, sorting, and/orstoring the samples tubes. The output/sorter unit 214 of FIG. 13includes an output robot 404 and output drawers 414. The components ofthe output/sorter unit 214 are described in more detail in thedescription for FIGS. 4(a)-(e) and FIG. 5.

2. Pre-Analytical Phase System Workflow

As discussed above, the pre-analytical phase may contain seven modules.FIGS. 14(a)-(d) are parts of a flow chart showing an illustrativeexample of the pre-analytical phase system workflow, which is describedwith reference to FIGS. 9-12.

Referring to FIG. 14(a), at the beginning of the pre-analytical phase,the racks 1806 that are filled with sample tubes are loaded into drawers216 in the input module 202, as indicated at operation 1402. Theprocessing priority for a sample tube may be indicated by placing thesample tube in the STAT drawer 1056 of the input module 202 or byapplying a sample tube marker to the sample tube cap, detectable by atube and rack presence detection unit that will be described in moredetail below. The sample priority is determined based on whether a STATsample tube is located in the rack, as indicated at operation 1404. Thepre-analytical phase system then selects sample tubes from the inputmodule 202 based on processing priority, as indicated at operation 1406.If a STAT sample tube is detected, the STAT sample tube will be thefirst tube to be lifted by an input module gripper 228, as indicated atoperation 1408. If no STAT sample tube is detected, a sample tube thatis not a STAT sample tube is lifted by input module gripper 228, asindicated at operation 1410. The levels of the constituent components(e.g., gel or packed red blood cells) of the sample in the sample tubeare measured, as indicated at operation 1412. The levels of theconstituent components of the sample may be measured as the tube islifted by the input module gripper 228. The liquid level may bedetermined from a means for inspecting a tube. For example, the liquidlevel may be determined from a 2-D image captured of the tube contents,as described below. In some embodiments, the liquid level is determinedusing an absorption and transmission measurement unit, as describedbelow. While the tube is in the input module gripper 228, a 2-D image(e.g., a photograph) is taken of the tube. One or more of the barcode,tube, and cap characteristics are determined by analyzing the image ofthe tube, as indicated at operation 1414.

In some embodiments, all samples have a priority assigned to them eitherthrough information found in the LIS (laboratory information system) orbased upon the rack or position in which they reside within the Input.Sample tubes are selected from the input module are in order ofpriority. If the priority assigned by the LIS and the priority assigneddue to the sample's location in the input module do not agree, thesample is assigned the highest priority of the two. Within a prioritylevel, samples are selected by time of entry to the Input (i.e. first infirst out, FIFO). Finally within a rack samples are selected in anestablished order (e.g. left to right and back to front). STAT sampleshave the highest priority.

At operation 1416 the sample tube is deposited by input module gripper228 in the distribution area 204. The barcode of the sample tube may beoriented by input module gripper 228 so that it may be later read.Orientation of the barcode may occur before the move, during the move,or after the move of the sample to the distribution area 204.

While the samples sit in the distribution area 204, several processesfor optimizing the functioning of the system may be performed within thedistribution area. A scheduler may perform some of these processes. Asdescribed above, the scheduler may be a control processor and/orsoftware which schedules the processing of each sample tube in order toorganize and optimize the flow of sample tubes through the laboratoryautomation system. In general, the processor may generate a route planfor each sample based on the availability of processing units (includinganalyzers having queues) and schedules all samples located in thedistribution buffer based on single route plans and prioritization foreach sample. In some embodiments, the test information and a route planmay be generated by and/or retrieved from a scheduler based on the typeof testing needed and the urgency associated with the sample. Thescheduler may also take into account and use sample information (e.g.,weight, cap color, spun, STAT (short turn-around time), etc.) to developtest information and the route plan. One example of a scheduler can befound in U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,615, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety for all purposes.

The scheduler may also determine which sample out of the plurality ofsamples sitting in the distribution area 204 is the next appropriatesample to begin processing. The appropriate sample may be one that isselected from a list of samples residing in a distribution area. It maybe the sample with the highest priority and/or the sample that can beprocessed using the resources available according to its route plan tomaximize throughput and/or TAT (turn around time). If a sample requirescentrifugation, the weight of the tube may be calculated based upon thetube and cap characteristics, sample levels, and a density estimate madewithin the distribution area. In some embodiments, a database accessibleto a central processor may store data relating to various types ofsample containers. The data may comprise the weight of the containers(without any samples in them) as well as their dimensions (e.g., theinner diameter and height). The database may also store informationregarding the densities of various types of samples. The weight of thesample may be determined using the liquid level of the sample in asample container and the inner dimensions of the sample container. Theweight of the sample container (without a sample) can be retrieved fromthe database to determine the total weight of the sample and the samplecontainer.

A process for selecting an appropriate sample can be described withreference to FIG. 14(e). FIG. 14(e) shows a flowchart. As shown in theflowchart, the selection of the appropriate sample can be somewhatdynamic in nature and can change based on a number of factors includingthe availability of various subassemblies within the system as well asthe nature of the particular sample to be processed.

In step 1470, a central processor may generate a list of all samplesthat can be scheduled. A sample can be scheduled if sample related workinstructions are available. Then, the sample list is grouped intopriority groups (step 1472). For example, a sample list may contain afirst STAT sample that has a processing time of 10 minutes, a secondSTAT sample that has a processing time of 20 minutes, a third non-STATsample that has a processing time of 15 minutes and a fourth non-STATsample that has a processing time of 9 minutes. The samples may begrouped into two groups: STAT and non-STAT. Within these groups, thesamples are sorted according to increasing slack time (the slack timemay alternatively be referred to as an aging time, or the time that thesample has been in the distribution area) or the shortest processingtime through the laboratory automation system (step 1474). Withreference to the previous example, the samples may be sorted as followsaccording to the shortest processing time. For the STAT samples, theprioritization would be the first STAT sample and the second STATsample. For the non-STAT samples, the prioritization would be the fourthnon-STAT sample and the third non-STAT sample. The top three unscheduledtubes are then selected (step 1476). For example, in the above-notedexample, the selected tubes may comprise the first STAT sample, thesecond STAT sample, and the fourth non-STAT sample. Although the topthree tubes are selected in this example, more or less sample tubes maybe selected in other examples.

In step 1478, a determination is then made as to whether there are anymore samples to schedule. If not, then the list may be re-sorted withscheduled samples according to discharge time (step 1484). If so, thenthe next highest priority sample in the list is selected for processing(step 1486). As noted above, a STAT sample always has a higher prioritythan a non-STAT sample. In the above example, only the third non-STATsample is unscheduled.

Then, the next available discharge time is determined (step 1488). Thedischarge time can be when the sample will be moved out of thedistribution area. A preliminary schedule is then determined for theselected sample (step 1490).

Then, a determination is made as to whether the sample's resultantdischarge time is greater than a pre-defined threshold time (step 1492).If the determination is positive, then the method proceeds to step 1482.In step 1482, the preliminary schedule is discarded for the selectedsample. In step 1480, the selected sample is marked as not to bescheduled until a pre-defined threshold time before its discharge time.The method then proceeds to step 1478.

If the sample's resultant discharge time is not greater than thepre-defined threshold time, then an empty carrier is requested to thetrack location needed by the selected sample (step 1494). If the carrierrequest can be satisfied (step 1502), then the system can commit to thepreliminary schedule for the selected sample (step 1506), and the methodcan loop back to step 1478 to determine if there are any more samples toschedule.

If the carrier request cannot be scheduled, then the preliminaryschedule for the selected sample is discarded (step 1500). The dischargetime may then be delayed by the pre-defined hold time (step 1498). Then,a determination is made as to whether the selected sample's resultantdischarge time is greater than a pre-defined threshold time (step 1496).If the determined resultant discharge time is not greater than thepre-defined threshold time, then the method proceeds to step 1490. Ifthe determined resultant discharge time is greater than thepredetermined threshold time, then selected sample is marked as not tobe scheduled until a pre-defined hold time from the present time (step1504). The method can then proceed to step 1478.

In some embodiments, a sample is sent to a track only if the requiredresources are available. If prioritization is equal for all samples, thefirst sample in the distribution area 204 is sent to the conveyancesystem 220 (e.g., track).

Conventional systems may use bypass lanes for buffers (e.g., US2012179405A1) or queue jumping (e.g., US 2011112683A1) or random accessbuffers beside the track (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,681,466B2). Embodimentsof the invention have advantages over such conventional systems. Suchadvantages include reduced hardware (e.g., fewer buffers and queues).Also, embodiments of the invention have better random access to samplecontainers since they are not constrained by being present in a bufferor queue.

Referring again to FIG. 14(a), in an illustrative workflow, thescheduler plans a schedule for the sample tube, based on the sampleprocessing priority, the liquid level and barcode, tube, and capcharacteristics analysis information, as indicated at operation 1418. Atoperation 1420, when the sample tube is the next tube to be transferred,a distribution area gripper 218 deposits the sample tube at one of thecentrifuge adapter 1002, an error area 222 (which may be an outputdrawer), or at the conveyance system 220. With changes to certainsubsystems, the current instrument can make full use of the drawer thathoused the SIQ racks. Therefore, full racks can be used on this drawerwhich makes it function like a normal output area.

As shown in FIG. 14(b), when the scheduler selects a sample forcentrifugation, the tube may be loaded by the distribution area gripper218 into the appropriate centrifuge adapter 1002 at the centrifuge loadposition 1004 to ensure a balanced centrifuge rotor. At operation 1422,if the sample is selected for centrifugation, the tube is transported bydistribution area gripper 218 from distribution area 204 to thecentrifuge adapter 1002, as indicated at operation 1424.

In embodiments of the invention, the sample level of a sample in asample tube may be determined after taking a picture of the sample tubewith a movable assembly comprising a gripper unit and a camera. Otherembodiments use an absorption using a transmission measurement devicehaving multiple light sources having wavelengths capable of passingthrough labels but may or may not be affected by the sample media. Afterpassing through the labels and sample the light is detected with aphotoelectric sensor(s). The various sample media can block none, someor all of the light emitting from the LEDs. As a result, the samplelayer heights can be determined and measured. Further details regardingthis embodiment are provided below.

The weight of the sample tube may be calculated by an image analysisdevice while the sample is being moved. The volume of the sample can becalculated from the layer heights coupled with geometric properties ofthe tube determined from an analysis of the image captured by the camerain the robot. The weight calculation begins after the image and layerinformation are obtained. The weight of the sample is calculated fromthe sample layer volumes and density estimates for the contents whichare archived in a system software database. The sample weight iscombined with the weight of the sample container which was alsopreviously archived in a system software database. This combined weightis used by the system's software to determine which centrifuge adapterposition in which to deposit the sample tube to ensure a balancedcentrifuge rotor. The camera can also take a picture of a centrifugeadapter and can determine which locations in the centrifuge adapter canbe filled in a manner that allows the centrifuge to be balanced onceother centrifuge adapters are filled. For example, centrifuge adaptersthat will be placed opposite to each other in the centrifuge may each beloaded with a plurality of sample tubes that collectively weigh thesame.

As the centrifuge cycle is ending for adapters already loaded into thecentrifuge 206-1 or 206-2, the newly loaded centrifuge adapters 1002 aremoved to the appropriate centrifuge 206-1 or 206-2. The adapters sit onan adapter shuttle 224 that moves from centrifuge load position 1004,between the manager unit 700 and the centrifuge unit 804, to theappropriate centrifuge 206-1 or 206-2, as indicated at operation 1426.The adapter may be loaded by centrifuge module gripper 226 into acentrifuge bucket, as indicated at operation 1428. The sample iscentrifuged, as indicated at operation 1430. The adapter is removed fromthe centrifugation bucket, as indicated at operation 1432. The adapteris transferred to an unloading area, as indicated at operation 1434, thesample tube is removed from the adapter by centrifuge module gripper226, as indicated at operation 1436, and the sample tube is placed bycentrifuge module gripper 226 into a carrier on conveyance system 220,as indicated at operation 1438.

Newly loaded centrifuge adapters 1002 are swapped with the adapters inthe centrifuge unit 206-1 or 206-2 by centrifuge module gripper 226.During the first step of the swap, the centrifuged adapters are removedfrom the centrifuge unit 206-1 or 206-2 and placed onto specific spotson the shuttle so that when the shuttle returns to the manager unit 700,the tubes can be unloaded by centrifuge module gripper 226 from theadapters and placed onto the conveyance system 220. The newly loadedadapters 1002 from the manager unit 700 are placed inside the centrifuge206-1 or 206-2. The adapters which were previously emptied of tubes aremoved by the centrifuge module gripper 226 from the unloading spots onthe shuttle 224 to spots on the shuttle where they can be loaded withtubes in the manager unit 700.

While adapters are being swapped in the centrifuge unit 804, thescheduler may direct tubes that do not require centrifugation to bemoved by the distribution area gripper 218 from the distribution area204 to the conveyance system 220, bypassing the centrifugation unit 804,as indicated at operation 1440. This can occur anytime the schedulerdetermines it is best to advance a tube from the distribution area 204to the conveyance system 220. This depends upon the priorities andprocessing requirements of samples in the distribution area anddownstream processing availability.

The scheduler determines the appropriate tubes to select from thedistribution area 204 and the centrifuge adapters 1002 being unloaded tothe conveyance system 220 to ensure the proper flow of samplesdownstream. The centrifuge adapters can be unloaded to ensure that thenext centrifuge cycle can begin on time. This is dependent upondownstream process availability.

When the samples are loaded onto the conveyance system 220, distributionarea gripper 218 aligns the barcode of the tube with the carrier used tocarry the tube on the conveyance system 220. The carrier orientation ismaintained on the conveyance system, simplifying the barcode readingprocess at downstream processes.

As shown in FIG. 14(c), once the tube is in the carrier on the conveyorsystem 220, the decapper 710 may remove the cap on the sample tube ifthe sample requires decapping, as indicated at operations 1446 and 1448.The samples that have been decapped may have their serum indicesmeasured in the serum indices unit 210 if a serum index is required forthe sample, as indicated at operations 1450 and 1452.

In certain circumstances, samples may need to be divided into more thanone sample tube. These sample tubes may exit the conveyance system 220of the pre-analytical phase and enter the aliquotter unit 212 at theprimary tube queue 1104 if aliquotting is required, as indicated atoperations 1454 and 1456. The samples are divided into secondary tubesat the direction of the scheduling system. Before the aliquotting isperformed by the pipetting robot 302, empty secondary tubes are providedby the secondary tube lift 318 into carriers in the secondary tube queue1106, as indicated at operation 1458. Part of the sample is transferredfrom a primary tube 304 into a secondary tube 306 by pipetting robot302, as indicated at operation 1460. The primary and new secondary tubesthen leave the aliquotter unit 212 and reenter the conveyance system220, as indicated at operation 1462.

As shown in FIG. 14(d), once any necessary centrifugation, decapping, oraliquotting is performed, and once the sample is ready to be analyzed,the sample tube may continue to the analytical phase along conveyancesystem 220 if further analysis is required, as indicated at operations1464 and 1466, or may be moved by an output/sorter gripper 404 to outputracks located in the drawers of the output/sorter unit 214, as indicatedat operation 1468.

It will be recognized that a plurality of grippers may be used for thefunctions described as being performed by any single gripper. Thefunctionality described for each gripper may be combined and performedby one or more gripper.

II. Robotic Arms and Grippers

As discussed above, a robotic arm can be used to move a sample tube orany other object (e.g. a centrifuge adapter) from many differentlocations within the laboratory system (e.g., input robot 228,distribution robot 218, centrifuge robot 226, decapper robot 710,aliquotter robot 302, output/sorter robot 404, recapper robot 504,secondary tube lift, etc.).

The robotic arm architecture can differ in complexity dependent upon thegiven task. FIG. 15 depicts an example of a Cartesian or gantry robot1270 with three independently moveable directions x-, y-, and z-. Thex-axis may be defined by an x-axis rail 1272 and the y-axis may bedefined by a y-axis rail 1274. The z-axis may be defined by anorientation of a robotic arm 1276 extending in the z-direction. Thegantry robot 1270 comprises a robotic arm 1276, and a gripper unit 1280operatively and physically coupled to the robotic arm 1276. More complexrobotic arms may include, for example, the Selective Compliant AssemblyRobot Arm (SCARA) or the articulated robotic arm with multiple jointarms. The gripper unit 1280 comprises a gripper housing 1280(a) andgripper fingers 1280(b) extending downward from the gripper housing1280(a). The gripper fingers can move inwardly towards each other togrip a sample tube 1282 and outwardly to release a sample tube 1282.

The robotic arm including the gripper unit can be additionally employedfor identification and for determination of physical characteristics ofthe moved object. Therefore, the robotic arm can be equipped with anappropriate identification and determination means (e.g., a camera, abar code reader, or an absorption and transmission measurement unit).The tube identification, level detection, and tube presence detectionunits are described in more detail below.

The following description of a tube handling unit, a centrifuge adaptergripper, a tube identification device, a sample level detection device,tube or rack presence detection device, and a combination of thesefunctions in a single robot arm will be discussed in light of the gantryrobotic arm depicted in FIG. 15.

A. Tube Handling Units

The robotic arms according to embodiments of the invention may employ agripper unit to grip and transport sample tubes to desired locations.FIGS. 16(a)-16(c) depict several different gripper units to grip andtransport sample tubes to desired locations.

FIG. 16(a) depicts an example for a gripper unit 1301 for sample tubescomprising a gripper housing 1301(a) comprising two or more moveablefingers 1302 extending downward and comprising inwardly projectingcontact structures 1302(a). The inwardly projecting contact structures1302(a) grip a sample tube 1282 by a movement towards the outer wall ofthe tube 1282.

FIG. 16(b) depicts an example for an inside gripper unit 1303 comprisinga gripper housing 1303(a) comprising two or more fingers 1304 extendingdownward from the gripper housing 1303(a). In this embodiment, the twoor more fingers 1304 move outwards toward the inner wall of a sampletube 1282.

Another embodiment of an inside gripper unit 1305 is depicted in FIG.16(c). The gripper unit 1305 employs a flexible ring element 1306 whichextends radially from a linear carrier 1307 to grip an inside surface ofa sample tube 1282. The linear carrier 1307 extends from a gripperhousing 1303(a). The flexible ring element (e.g., silicon O-ring) 1306is compressed by moving the lower plunger segment 1308 of the linearcarrier 1307 upwards.

B. Centrifuge Bucket Gripper

A robotic arm with a mechanical gripper unit as shown in FIGS. 16(a)-(c)may be a combined gripper capable of gripping samples tubes as well ascentrifuge buckets and/or adapters used in the centrifuge module 206. Asdescribed above, the centrifuge buckets and adapters are containers usedto hold sample tubes ready to be centrifuged. The centrifuge buckets maybe the actual buckets that are placed in and part of the centrifuge.Additionally, centrifuge adapters may be used in conjunction with thecentrifuge buckets. Centrifuge adapters are removable centrifugecartridges that can be placed into the centrifuge bucket that isattached to the centrifuge rotor. The robotic arm is capable of pickingup and transporting both a centrifuge bucket and a centrifuge adapter.For example, centrifuge buckets and/or adapters that are loaded withsample tubes ready to be centrifuged are transported from thedistribution area 204 to the centrifuge module 206 via a shuttle 224.The centrifuge buckets and/or adapters are loaded into the centrifuge,after which the samples can be centrifuged.

The gripper unit may perform several functions, including picking upsample tubes at an input area 202, transporting sample tubes to aloading position 1004 for an empty centrifuge bucket, placing sampletubes in a free position of the centrifuge bucket, choosing a completelyfilled centrifuge bucket, transporting the centrifuge bucket to anavailable centrifuge, placing the centrifuge bucket in a free positionof the centrifuge rotor, choosing a centrifuged bucket, transporting acentrifuged bucket to an unloading position for a centrifuged bucket,picking up centrifuged sample tubes in the centrifuged bucket, etc.

In one embodiment of the robotic gripper arm for use as a sample tubeand bucket gripper, an adapter tool can be used with the combinedrobotic gripper. The adapter tool can be used by the robotic gripper tohook in the centrifuge buckets.

In another embodiment, a bucket lift can be allocated within the body ofthe centrifuge underneath the unloading position for the buckets. Bymoving the lift up, the buckets may be transported to the top of thecentrifuge to be further processed. A sample tube gripper robot may thengrip the centrifuge buckets with the standard gripper unit or an adaptertool as described above.

In another embodiment, a single sample tube gripper can be applied to atelescopic robotic arm. The sample tube gripper unit may be moved downinto the centrifuge body using the telescopic robotic arm. The sampletube gripper robot may then grip the centrifuge buckets with itsstandard gripper unit.

In another embodiment, a centrifuge bucket gripper unit can be appliedto the telescopic robotic arm in addition to a standard sample tubegripper.

E. Sample Level Detection

In addition to the tube identification and tube or rack presencedetection features described above, the camera unit and analysis toolcan use the 2-D image captured by the system to determine a samplevolume and sample level for the sample in the sample tube.

A sample level detection unit (or assembly) and a sample tube aredepicted in FIG. 17. The sample level detection unit includes a chamber16. A camera unit 30 is accommodated in the chamber 16, which has fewand, if possible, no optical reflections. The camera unit 30 can bealigned with and focused on the sample tube 20 containing fluid. Anillumination source 31 may provide light to the sample tube 20 so thatthe camera unit 30 can take a picture of the sample tube 30.

The camera unit 30 can be a still camera, a color image camera, a videocamera, a spectral camera or the like. A color image camera, for examplea 3CCD video camera, may be used. The settings of the color camera, suchas focusing, white balance, diaphragm setting, filling-in, can bepermanently preset or adjustable. For example, they can be adjusted withthe aid of image evaluation software, as in when the data reported bythe image evaluation software to the control software are of reducedquality with reference to store reference data. An algorithm can be usedto calculate the sample level and/or volume using known data, such asthe type of sample tube used, the type of sample, etc.

As shown in FIG. 17, the camera unit 30 can be inclined to optimize itsview of the sample tube 20. The sample tube 20 information can berecorded with comparatively few optical reflections with the aid of thismeasure.

Arranged above and in the middle relative to the analysis position ofthe sample tube is a gripper unit 35 that is controlled by a computer.The gripper unit 35 grips the sample tube 20 located in a rack of theinput section and lifts it into the analysis position. The gripper unit35 can comprise a gripper housing 35(a), and a plurality of gripperfingers 35(b), which can be used to grip the sample tube 20.

As an alternative to the liquid level detection device using a cameraunit, the liquid level detection may also be accomplished by the use ofanother type of image acquisition device such as a device that has laserdiodes with a defined wavelength and analysis algorithms to evaluate theabsorption spectra. A laser diode beam can be focused on sections of thesample tube, and an absorption and transmission measurement of differentwavelengths of the focused beam can be measured. The analysis algorithmcan then use the measurements to provide the liquid level and volume.

FIG. 18 depicts an example of sample level detection utilizing theanalysis of absorption and transmission curves at distinct wavelengths.In instances in which blood samples are provided with the sample tubecontainer, the system may additionally be able to detect the distinctlevels of serum, plasma, or blood-cake in the sample.

In FIG. 18, a portion of an operable fluid sample interrogation systemis depicted generally at 1956. A first source of radiation 1958 (with asecond source of radiation 1972 turned off) is arranged to apply a firstradiation having a first characteristic wavelength (e.g., 980 nm) tobeam combiner 1960, which directs the first emitted radiation 1962toward a location on the sample tube 1900. The first transmittedradiation 1964 is detected by a detector, such as illustrated photodiode and amplifier arrangement 1966. The detector may be an example ofat least a part of an image acquisition device. A signal 1968,corresponding to the intensity of first transmitted radiation 1964 canthen be stored and/or manipulated in comparison structure, such asprogrammable integrated circuit 1970, or a computer. The second sourceof radiation 1972 (with the first source of radiation 1958 turned off)is arranged to apply a second radiation having a second characteristicwavelength (e.g., 1050 nm) to beam combiner 1960 at a slightly shiftedposition as the first emitted radiation 1962, which directs the secondemitted radiation 1974 parallel to the beam path of first emittedradiation 1962 toward a slightly different location on the sample tube1900. The second transmitted radiation 1976 is detected by the samedetector, such as illustrated photo diode and amplifier arrangement1966. A signal 1968, corresponding to the intensity of secondtransmitted radiation 1976 can then be stored and/or manipulated incomparison structure, such as programmable integrated circuit 1970, or acomputer.

FIG. 18 further depicts a sample tube that is being measured andanalyzed using the wavelength process. As shown, serum 1915 and gel 1917are mostly transparent to visible light while red blood cells 1919 aresubstantially opaque. Further, gel 1917 is transparent to infrared lightwhile red blood cells 1919 and serum 1915 are substantially opaque.Accordingly, when the sample tube 1900 has gel 1917 to separate theserum 1915 and red blood cells 1919, it is possible just using infraredlight to “see through” different sections. The infrared light reading isstrong when the infrared light beam passes through air 1913, drops whenthe infrared light beam is directed toward the serum, is relativelystrong when directed toward the gel 1917, and drops again when directedtoward the red blood cells 1919. This analysis performed by the analysistool allows for the measurement of the sample level/volume of thesample.

The liquid level detection unit can be combined with any of theabove-described robotic arms with or without a tube identification unit,and with or without a tube or rack presence detection unit. Furtherdetails regarding tube identification units and tube or rack presencedetection units can be found in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.61/556,667, 61/616,994, and 61/680,066.

F. Combination Robot with Gripper, Tube Identification Unit, Tube orRack Presence Detection Unit and Liquid Level Detection Unit

A combination robot with gripper, tube identification unit, tube or rackpresence detection unit and liquid level detection unit can be utilizedby the laboratory automation system. The combination robot utilizes thefeatures of the gripper robot described above and a camera of the tubeidentification unit, a camera of the tube or rack presence detectionunit and laser diodes for sample level detection described above.

FIG. 19 depicts a schematic drawing of one example of the combinationrobot (or assembly). The combination robot 2102 can include a roboticgripper 2104 for gripping sample tubes, disposed in a chamber 2101. Therobotic gripper 2104 may comprise a gripper housing 2104(a) with gripperfingers 2104(b) extending downward and gripping a sample tube 2112. Thecombination robot 2102 can utilize a camera 2106 for acquiring images toperform tube detection and/or sample level detection. The combinationrobot 2102 can also utilize an emitter 2108 and a receiver 2109 forperforming laser diode sample level/volume detection. The combinationrobot 2102 can also utilize a tube or rack presence detection camera2110 for acquiring a series of images during the x-y movement of thegripper to perform tube and rack presence detection and tube and rackidentification. Tube and rack presence detection and tube and rackidentification systems and methods are described in further detail inU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/556,667, filed Nov. 7, 2011,U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/616,994, filed Mar. 28, 2012,and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/680,066, filed Aug. 6,2012, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety forall purposes.

FIG. 20 shows a high-level block diagram of some components in a sampletube and rack identification system according to an embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 20 shows an image acquisition device 1842 coupled to animage analysis device 1848. The image analysis device 1848 can also becoupled to a gripper unit 248 and can provide instructions to it. Thegripper unit 248 can then secure a specific sample tube 1846.

Suitable image acquisition devices may include cameras, as well asdetectors like those described with reference to FIG. 18.

Although the instructions provided by the image analysis device 1848 areprovided to a gripper unit 248 in this example, embodiments of theinvention are not limited thereto. For example, embodiments of theinvention can provide instructions to a central controller in thelaboratory automation system to inform other downstream instruments orsubsystems that a particular tube has been identified and/or that thesample tube is of a particular weight. For example, once a particularsample tube in a sample rack has been identified, a scheduler in acentral controller will know where that particular sample tube is in thesystem and can plan ahead for any subsequent processing. Thus, theinstructions and/or analysis data provided by the image analysis device1848 may be provided to any suitable downstream instrument or subsystem.

FIG. 21 shows a block diagram of an image analysis device 1848 accordingto an embodiment of the invention. It may include a data input interface1848(b) to receive data from the one or more image acquisition devices(e.g. image acquisition device 1842), and a processor 1848(a) coupled tothe input interface 1848(b). The processor 1848(a) may also be coupledto a data output interface 1848(c) which provides data to suitabledevices which can manipulate and/or transport a sample tube 1848(c). Theprocessor 1848(a) may further be coupled to a memory 1848(d) which maycomprise a sample tube identification module 1848(d)-1, a liquid leveldetermination module 1848(d)-2, a tube weight calculation module1848(d)-3, a sample tube database 1848(d)-4, and an instruction module1848(d)-5. The sample tube identification module 1848(d)-1 may comprisecomputer code, executable by the processor 1848(a), to determine theidentity of a sample tube. A sample tube can be identified, for example,by a barcode on the sample tube, a cap color, a tube shape, etc. Theliquid level determination module 1848(d)-2 may comprise computer code,executable by the processor 1848(a) to determine a liquid level of asample in a sample tube. The tube weight calculation module 1848(d)-3may comprise computer code, executable by the processor 1848(a) tocalculate the weight of a sample tube. The sample tube database1848(d)-4 may have information relating to sample tubes. The sample tubeinstruction module 1848(d)-5 may comprise code, executable by theprocessor 1848(a) to provide instructions to an external device via thedata output interface 1848(c). The instructions that are provided mayinclude instructions to a gripper unit, which cause the gripper unit totransport the sample tube to a particular location or a particularsubsystem after identifying the sample tube. Note that any of thepreviously described software modules may function independently ortogether. For instance, the sample tube identification module 1848(d)-1may operate with the liquid level module 1848(d)-2 and the sample tubeweight calculation module 1848(d)-3 to identify the particular sampletube and to calculate a weight of the sample tube.

The sample tube database 1848(d)-4 may comprise any suitable type ofinformation relating to sample tubes. It may include, for example,sample tube information correlating samples to sample tubecharacteristics, markers or labels on a sample tube. The sample tubedatabase 1848(d)-4 may also include information regarding differenttypes of sample tubes and their corresponding volumes and weights(without a sample in it). This information, along with information aboutthe level of a sample if a tube, can be used to calculate the weight ofa sample tube.

In methods according to embodiments of the invention, at least onecamera acquires at least one picture of the rack with sample tubescomprising samples. The method further comprises analyzing, by the imageanalysis device, the at least one picture to identify characteristics ofthe sample tubes and/or rack. If the sample tubes comprise differentsamples, then these samples may be in different sample tubes withdifferent characteristics, and the samples may be processed differently,after they have been identified. For example, after receivinginstructions from the analysis device, a first sample tube with a firstcharacteristic and a first sample could be sent to a storage unit by agripper (coupled to a robotic arm) that is capable of moving in threedirections (X, Y, and Z), while a second sample tube with a secondcharacteristic and a second sample may be sent to a centrifuge, prior tobeing analyzed.

The processor 1848(a) may comprise any suitable data processor forprocessing data. For example, the processor may comprise one or moremicroprocessors that function separately or together to cause variouscomponents of the system to operate.

The memory 1848(d) may comprise any suitable type of memory device, inany suitable combination. The memory 1848(d) may comprise one or morevolatile or non-volatile memory devices, which operate using anysuitable electrical, magnetic, and/or optical data storage technology.

VII. Computer Architecture

The various participants and elements described herein with reference tothe figures may operate one or more computer apparatuses to facilitatethe functions described herein. Any of the elements in the abovedescription, including any servers, processors, or databases, may useany suitable number of subsystems to facilitate the functions describedherein, such as, e.g., functions for operating and/or controlling thefunctional units and modules of the laboratory automation system,transportation systems, the scheduler, the central controller, localcontrollers, etc.

Examples of such subsystems or components are shown in FIG. 22. Thesubsystems shown in FIG. 22 are interconnected via a system bus 4445.Additional subsystems such as a printer 4444, keyboard 4448, fixed disk4449 (or other memory comprising computer readable media), monitor 4446,which is coupled to display adapter 4482, and others are shown.Peripherals and input/output (I/O) devices, which couple to I/Ocontroller 4441 (which can be a processor or other suitable controller),can be connected to the computer system by any number of means known inthe art, such as serial port 4484. For example, serial port 4484 orexternal interface 4481 can be used to connect the computer apparatus toa wide area network such as the Internet, a mouse input device, or ascanner. The interconnection via system bus allows the central processor4443 to communicate with each subsystem and to control the execution ofinstructions from system memory 4442 or the fixed disk 4449, as well asthe exchange of information between subsystems. The system memory 4442and/or the fixed disk 4449 may embody a computer readable medium.

Embodiments of the technology are not limited to the above-describedembodiments. Specific details regarding some of the above-describedaspects are provided above. The specific details of the specific aspectsmay be combined in any suitable manner without departing from the spiritand scope of embodiments of the technology. For example, back endprocessing, data analysis, data collection, and other processes may allbe combined in some embodiments of the technology. However, otherembodiments of the technology may be directed to specific embodimentsrelating to each individual aspect, or specific combinations of theseindividual aspects.

It should be understood that the present technology as described abovecan be implemented in the form of control logic using computer software(stored in a tangible physical medium) in a modular or integratedmanner. Furthermore, the present technology may be implemented in theform and/or combination of any image processing. Based on the disclosureand teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary skill in the artwill know and appreciate other ways and/or methods to implement thepresent technology using hardware and a combination of hardware andsoftware.

Any of the software components or functions described in thisapplication, may be implemented as software code to be executed by aprocessor using any suitable computer language such as, for example,Java, C++ or Perl using, for example, conventional or object-orientedtechniques. The software code may be stored as a series of instructions,or commands on a computer readable medium, such as a random accessmemory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a magnetic medium such as ahard-drive or a floppy disk, or an optical medium such as a CD-ROM. Anysuch computer readable medium may reside on or within a singlecomputational apparatus, and may be present on or within differentcomputational apparatuses within a system or network.

The above description is illustrative and is not restrictive. Manyvariations of the technology will become apparent to those skilled inthe art upon review of the disclosure. The scope of the technologyshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but instead should be determined with reference to thepending claims along with their full scope or equivalents.

One or more features from any embodiment may be combined with one ormore features of any other embodiment without departing from the scopeof the technology.

A recitation of “a”, “an” or “the” is intended to mean “one or more”unless specifically indicated to the contrary.

All patents, patent applications, publications, and descriptionsmentioned above are herein incorporated by reference in their entiretyfor all purposes. None is admitted to be prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of transporting a sample container foranalysis by a laboratory automation system, comprising: transporting asample container containing a sample from an input area to adistribution area by a gripper comprising a means for inspecting a tube;obtaining data during the transporting of the sample container, whereinthe obtaining the data comprises, capturing an image of the samplecontainer, analyzing the image to determine at least one physicalcharacteristic of the sample container, and determining a samplecontainer identification of the sample container based on the at leastone physical characteristic, determining a liquid level of the sample inthe sample container, and calculating a weight of the sample containerusing the sample container identification and the liquid level;requesting a sample schedule associated with the sample in the tube,wherein the sample schedule is requested from a scheduling system basedon the data obtained during the transporting; determining by thescheduling system a time when the tube containing the sample should beprocessed; and transporting the tube from the distribution area to asubsequent processing module in the laboratory automation system at thetime determined by the scheduling system.
 2. An assembly comprising: arobotic arm having a gripper unit configured to grip a sample container,wherein the robotic arm is configured to move in three dimensions; animage acquisition device physically coupled to the robotic arm andconfigured to acquire an image of the sample container, wherein theimage acquisition device comprises a camera and a liquid level opticaldetection device comprising an optical emitter and an optical detector,wherein the liquid level detection device comprises a first source ofradiation configured to apply a first radiation having a firstcharacteristic wavelength to a beam combiner, which is configured todirect the first radiation towards a location on the sample container, asecond source of radiation configured to apply a second radiation havinga second characteristic wavelength to the beam combiner at a slightlyshifted position as the first radiation, wherein the beam combiner isconfigured to direct the second emitted radiation parallel to the beampath of the first radiation towards a slightly different location on thesample container, a detector capable of detecting a first transmittedradiation, which comprises the first radiation transmitted through thesample container, and the second transmitted radiation, which comprisesthe second radiation transmitted through the sample container, acomparison structure for storing and/or manipulating both the intensityof first transmitted radiation and the intensity of the secondtransmitted radiation; and an image analysis device in communicationwith the image acquisition device, wherein the image analysis device isconfigured to analyze the image of the sample container to determineidentifying information associated with the sample container and todetermine a liquid level of a sample in the sample container via atransmission measurement, wherein the sample container is positionedbetween the optical emitter and the optical detector when the liquidlevel of the sample in the sample container is determined by the imageanalysis device.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the transmissionmeasurement is performed by the liquid level detection device.
 4. Theassembly of claim 2, wherein the optical emitter is configured to usemultiple light sources having wavelengths capable of passing throughlabels but being absorbed by sample media comprised in the samplecontainer.
 5. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the liquid leveldetection device comprises laser diodes with different definedwavelengths, wherein the beams of the laser diodes are focused onsections of the sample container in order to allow for transmissionmeasurements of different defined wavelengths.
 6. The assembly of claim2, wherein the liquid level detection device comprises light emittingdiodes (LEDs) and the LEDs are selected such that various sample mediacomprised in the sample container block none, some or all of the lightemitting from the LEDs, in order to make it possible via an analysisalgorithm to determine and measure sample layer heights of a samplecomprised in the sample container.
 7. The assembly of claim 2, whereinthe liquid level detection device comprises light sources emittinginfrared light beams.
 8. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the assemblycomprises a tube presence detection unit capable of detecting thepresence of a sample container in a rack.
 9. The assembly of claim 2,wherein the image analysis device is further configured to calculate aweight of the sample container, while the sample container is beingtransported by the gripper unit.
 10. An assembly comprising: a roboticarm having a gripper unit configured to grip a sample container, whereinthe robotic arm is configured to move in three dimensions; an imageacquisition device physically coupled to the robotic arm and configuredto acquire an image of the sample container, wherein the imageacquisition device comprises a camera and a liquid level opticaldetection device comprising an optical emitter and an optical detector,wherein the image acquisition device is a first image acquisitiondevice, and wherein the assembly comprises a second image acquisitiondevice configured to capture a second image of a plurality of samplecontainers, wherein the second image is analyzed to determine a secondsample container in the plurality of sample containers to grip with thegripper unit, and wherein the assembly further comprises a third imageacquisition device configured to capture the image of the samplecontainer or a sample container rack under the third image acquisitiondevice; and an image analysis device in communication with the imageacquisition device, wherein the image analysis device is configured toanalyze the image of the sample container to determine identifyinginformation associated with the sample container and to determine aliquid level of a sample in the sample container via a transmissionmeasurement, wherein the sample container is positioned between theoptical emitter and the optical detector when the liquid level of thesample in the sample container is determined by the image analysisdevice.